OF VIRGINIA 313 
This is a subspecies of the former bird, overlapping 
in its breeding range with that species in our area from 
Cape Henry southward. It is most eommon in the Dismal 
Swamp region, and around Back Bay and Currituck 
Sound; a natural habitat is the high marsh grass, flags, 
and cane brakes. As it will take a specialist in speciation 
to identify these birds and eggs from the former species, 
the notes given with that form will apply equally as well 
to this bird. 
GENuUs ICTERIA. 
[683]. Icteria virens virens (Linneus). Yellow- 
breasted Chat. 
Rayce.—Eastern North America. Breeds mainly in 
Upper and Lower Austral zones from southern Minnesota, 
Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, central New York, and 
southern New England south to southeastern Texas, 
southern parts of Gulf States, and northern Florida; 
winters from Puebla, Vera Cruz, and Yucatan to Costa 
Rica; casual in Maine. 
He rises from a clump of bushes, flapping his wings 
lke a hawk over its prey, his tail moving in jerks as he 
ascends, all the while whistling or mocking. Thus we 
become acquainted the easiest way with the Chat; truly 
he is a mocking bird also, but not equal to the original 
(Minus polyglottos polyglottos). A common bird here 
with us, they arrive from the south about April 18th, as 
they do not remain throughout the winter. Every 
suitable clump of bushes, or field with second growth in 
it, has as its tenants a pair or two of these birds. Twice 
only have I heard these birds sing at night, once during 
